It's a great day to THANK the team members that provide outstanding support to our students - paraprofessionals and teacher assistants!

Throughout the district, these staff members provide academic support, social-emotional support, health and safety, and serve as role models and mentors to students. Their work helps create a nurturing learning environment and positive student outcomes.

Thank you to our paras and TAs for their dedication, commitment, and hard work!

Who will be the NEXT Mr. Perfect Panther?! Join us Friday, April 1 at 7pm in the GBHS Auditorium for the highly anticipated Mr. Perfect Panther pageant!

Proceeds benefit a family in need in Great Bend.

USD 428 is partnering with a company to provide FREE support for your student loans to see if they can help you get them forgiven or written off. If you choose to move forward with the company to do the work for you, there will be a cost, but they will consult with you for free and give you a roadmap to your specific situation for free.

If you are interested, there are 2 options for a webinar to learn about what they can do for you. Then they will follow up with you for a free consultation. If you choose to move forward with them, there may be a cost that will be described to you upfront with how much they can save you.

National Student Debt Forgiveness Center NSDFCGROUP.COM

• Wed, April 6, 2022 – 5:00 pm CDT (6:00 PM ET) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/304811297797
• Thurs, April 14, 2022 – 5:00 pm CDT (6:00 PM ET) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/304819963717

Please sign up for one of these webinars if you have student loan debt. Even if you have been denied in the past, there are new regulations that could help you now. Since you work for a Title 1 school district, many federal loans can be forgiven.

USD 428 invites parents and guardians to attend the second annual Preschool and Kindergarten Pre-Enrollment Information Fair at the Great Bend Events Center on Tuesday, April 12 from 1 – 7 p.m.

“Learning begins long before a child enters kindergarten,” said Tricia Reiser, assistant superintendent for USD 428. “The enrollment fair is an opportunity for parents and families to connect with community resources and learn more about USD 428 Preschool and Kindergarten programs.”

At the come-and-go event, USD 428 teachers and support staff will be available to talk with parents about academic programs, social-emotional support, attendance requirements, and more. Preschool programs in Great Bend include opportunities for both 3 and 4-year-olds, while kindergarten requires students to be 5-years-old on or before August 31.

“Beyond being a convenience for families, we hope the ‘one-stop-shop’ style event showcases the unity of our USD 428 elementary schools and preschool programs in our curriculums, academic standards, and student support,” said Reiser. “There is a high level of coordination and collaboration in our district that benefits both students and teachers.”

Other exhibitors at the event include community preschools, Barton County Health Department, Great Bend Public Library, United Way of Central Kansas, Parents as Teachers, Great Bend Rec, and other services and resources that support young learners and their families.

“Preschool establishes a strong foundation for learning,” said Reiser, “and we want to make it as easy as possible for families to access the resources and information in one location. Parents, students, community, and schools – we’re all partners in helping our young people grow, learn, and succeed.”

To learn more about the Preschool and Kindergarten Pre-Enrollment Information Fair, please visit www.GreatBendSchools.net/early-childhood. Please direct specific questions to the District Education Center by calling 620-793-1500.

Meeting at a Glance:

Jose Arias was joined by four sixth-grade students to highlight the All-Stars Program.

• All-Stars is a program all USD 428 6th-grade students participate in. It equips students with courage and confidence to enter young adulthood and middle school. The curriculum is provided through Barton County Juvenile Services and covers topics such as drug and substance abuse, healthy relationships, and anti-bullying.
• In their own words, students shared what the All-Stars program means to them.
• Arias also shared with the board a recap of the weekend "Kick the Habit" kickball tournament where Lincoln had two teams. The tournament ended at 1 pm but students stayed and played till nearly 4 pm, showing their interest and enthusiasm in community involvement with their peers, Arias explained.
  

Kylynn Keeler, Lincoln's Family Engagement Coordinator, shared a few highlights from her new position and the success of Lincoln's Unity Program.

• Five families graduated from Lincoln's Unity Program this spring. Evenings began with a family meal and incorporate time for family engagement together as well as time for school staff to work with parents individually.
• Keeler described the first Unity class as very successful. One example is the increased 2-way communication with these families even after "graduating" from the Unity program.

Before the close of the meeting, the BOE approved a list of grants and contributions as well as a personnel report. The BOE also approved the purchase of bleachers

For more information about the USD 428 Board of Education, you can visit our website - greatbendschools.net/district/board-of-education

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GB Alive Plaza hours are 5 pm - 9pm in Downtown Great Bend.

(Located on Forest Ave. between Main St and Williams St)

This is a family-friendly event that includes live music, food vendors, yard games, and more!

It only takes a few minutes to share the GREAT things happening in your classroom! Email high-resolution photos and a quick caption and we'll share it with the community on social media!

Quick Photo Caption:

"Students are learning _______________, by doing ______________."

Submit News to media@usd428.net.